It was almost time for the big game that everyone loved. In the Americas, it was known as Soccer, but the British knew it as Football. Everyone was excited. They would cheer Britain on, and the engines all brought visitors from all over the world to see the game, or participate in it. One day, John was due with a commuter train, and was waiting for the people to come. Mallard then came, and he didn't look too happy. "Something wrong Mallard?" he asked. "Yes, it's the football special! While I do love to watch the sport, the train is a nightmare at times. I just hope I don't pull it." John was confused. He liked the specials, so he didn't know what the fuss was about. Then again, he had never pulled them before.

The next morning, the engines were thinking about the game! They were excited to watch from the Tele that was brought in every now and then, but also didn't want to pull the train. Diesel 10 knew he would never pull the train unless he was the only one available. The small tank engines couldn't because they were too small to pull it. Bertram was getting a bit old to pull the heavy coaches. Mallard, Scotsman, Silver Link, Duchess, Steve, and the other express engines hated the behavior of the passengers. Yes, they were excited too, but that didn't mean to be so reckless. John was selected, and the engines were sorry for him.

John waited at the platform, and mark II coaches waiting for him.

He backed down, and he waited for the passengers to board. He then saw a boy kick his ball into his face! "OW!!!!" he cried. "Sorry!" said the boy.

Soon, John was heading down the mainline. He whistled to every engine he saw, and they whistled or honked back. He didn't see anything wrong with the special so far. When he reached the stadium, he saw many people crossing the tracks without even looking!!! "LOOK OUT!!!" he cried!

The people looked over, and saw John coming towards them! They ran clear, and John stopped just inches away from the crossing! He opened his eyes, and said, "Is anyone hurt?!" The passengers were bumped from their seats(which is why they need seat belts). They got out, and they complained to the station master. But when he told them John was trying to stop an accident, they soon apologized. "Besides!" said the station master, "you know this! Almost every year, there is someone who's going to be reckless when getting to the game!

He then told the other engines about what happened. "Now you see why we don't like to pull it?" asked Duchess. "Yes, I understand now," said John. "But still," said Bertram, "Someone still need to pull it, or else, many fans would take the bus. That would probably damage the railway's reputation." The engines agreed on that one. Soon, the engines went back to work as usual. And they would often get some interesting events that were soon to come.